A very contrite and capitulant Michael Vick appeared in federal court on Monday in Richmond, Virginia to enter his guilty plea in his federal dogfighting case. Afterward Vick was finally apologetic and took full responsibility for his actions.

August 27,2007

As expected a remorseful Michael Vick came to court on Tuesday and entered his “guilty” plea in his federal dogfighting case, which Judge Henry Hudson accepted. After entering the plea, Vick started the very long hard road of repairing his tarnished image by apologizing to the NFL and his Atlanta Falcons teammates for “using bad judgment and making bad decisions” and vowed to redeem himself. Sentencing was set for December 10th and Vick will likely sent to prison (12 to 18 months reportedly).

Vick also spoke publicly for the first time and was remorseful when he held a news conference after entering his plea stating, “First I want to apologize for all the things that I’ve done and that I have allowed to happen”. He added, “I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions,” “Dogfighting is a terrible thing.” He concluded by saying, “I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. And I will redeem myself. I have to.” See the entire Vick Press Conference in its entirety courtesy of MSN.com

Though it is difficult to see a man that once had it all cut down by his own doing, it was good that Vick started the healing process. I don’t know if the public will ever fully forgive him for his dastardly actions (read his statement of facts), but maybe Vick has started a bridge that can lead him back to a place back to the public’s hearts and the NFL. Only time will tell, but one thing I do know for sure is that Vick will be the “forgotten man” as the NFL kicks into full swing on September 6th and it maybe for the betterment of the league, its fans and Vick that it is that way. For now I say, “Let the man be” as he finally gets it that he needs to grow up and he has many loose ends to tie up before December. Especially there is the big matter of the Falcons going after $22 Million dollars worth of his signing bonus from his 10-year 130 Million dollar contract from 2004, attorney wrangling, a private meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell if he will talk to him, and many other items.